This article analyzes the development of a support group for young male spinal cord‐injured (SCI) clients. Both Goffman's theoretic framework of spoiled identity and Erikson's developmental model are used to guide this analysis. The most useful structure of a support group for young SCI male clients seems to be one that focuses on active mastery of various obstacles that need to be overcome. The topics that emerged in working with this support group over a period of 24 months focused on the broad categories of developing independence, role transitions, communication and self‐expression, and the rehabilitation team. Clients who choose not to participate in support groups may need additional individual counseling in order to facilitate their later participation. Inclusion of the support group in the rehabilitation process appeared to reduce the amount of client “acting‐out” both on and off the unit; this observation merits investigation through outcome research. Additional research questions are also proposed.
Children adopted from overseas by New South Wales families since 1975 have come from many countries, and the welfare services of these countries differ greatly. Some have adoption laws similar to those in Australia, while others have no adoption legislation at all. The regulations governing what is required of the adoptive parents also differs from country to country. Some countries insist that the adoptive parents travel to the country for assessment or court hearings, while others prefer the adopted child to travel under escort to his new country and request that the parents abide by this rule. Some countries will only accept childless couples or those of a particular age, while others have less rigid application criteria.Intercountry adoption is expensive. Depending on the country, an adoption can cost the family anywhere between $3,000 to $15,000.
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